Increase in Botched Cosmetic Procedures

Procedures gone wrong are almost always performed either by practitioners without proper training or by individuals attempting to do it themselves. In some cases a practitioner may be legally able to perform a procedure that they are not necessarily well qualified to perform. Products can also be purchased online from other countries that are not tested or regulated by the FDA. In an attempt to cut costs, a customer might purchase a dermal filler online without any guarantee that they purchased a safe and effective product. They also will have only limited knowledge on how to administer it properly even if it were safe. According to FDA administration spokeswoman Jennifer Rodriguez, “The FDA has not approved any dermal filler devices for self-injection.”
Since fillers purchased online often come from countries with less strict regulation, they may contain synthetic substances that could cause an allergic reaction – a good reason to consult with a doctor before having a procedure done. A doctor, particularly a dermatologist, is the best qualified to perform a cosmetic procedure and will be able to give advice on the best kind of product for you based on your health and desired cosmetic outcome.

Repairing the damage of a botched cosmetic procedure can end up costing a patient much more than if they had gone to an expert dermatologist in the first place. Even with immediate medical attention there are sometimes permanent effects from improperly administered or counterfeit cosmetic products. These sometimes include scars from having to cut out and drain fillers obtained online from other countries.

Current laws regulating cosmetic procedure practitioners and facilities are varied and not always strict. Until there is greater regulation in this developing area it is up to the potential cosmetic patient to determine the risks and benefits. Consulting a physician with experience performing the procedure you are interested in should be the first step.